Musical 'Les Miserables' won in the trophies tally, taking home Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress for Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway respectively, as well as Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.

Former US president Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance at the event, introducing Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' - the biopic of US president Abraham Lincoln - which was up for seven awards.

The film only triumphed in one category, with Daniel Day Lewis named Best Actor.

Accepting his award, he said: "If I had this on a timeshare basis with my wonderful gifted colleagues, I might just hope to keep it for one day of the year, and I'd be happy with that."

In the Best Actress category, Jessica Chastain triumphed for her role as a CIA agent tracking Osama bin Laden in 'Zero Dark Thirty'.

Picking up her trophy, Jessica said: "I've auditioned and fought and been on the sidelines for years. To be here now, it's a beautiful moment."

Other winners on the night included Christoph Waltz, who was named Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Django Unchained' and Jennifer Lawrence, who took home Best Actress, Musical or Comedy for her role in 'Silver Linings Playbook'.